Using Sustainability to Weave Our Bali Rattan Bags
In the slow fashion world, where and how you harvest your fabric greatly impacts how ethically-sourced your products can truly be.
Here’s how sustainable farming practices ensure the environmentally-friendly production of our Bali rattan bags!
Sustainable Harvesting to Make Our Rattan Bags
One of the locally sourced materials our Indonesian artisan partners work with is rattan. Grown in the heart of Bali, Indonesia rattan is a woody-like crop with a light-weight flexibility that allows it to be bent into shape for artisanal purposes. Our artisans use rattan and their local weaving technique to create our cute and functional rattan bags.
The use of this natural crop ensures sustainability is integral to the production process of each of our accessory bags. Rattan grows much faster than any other kind of tropical wood, and because of its lightweight structure it is easier to transport.
The ease of the rattan crop makes it an attractive, and environmentally-friendly alternative to logging trees. Since rattan depends on trees to flourish, the harvesting of rattan also encourages healthy forest maintenance.
Now you can bring a piece of the island with you wherever you go!
Pretty cool, right?
What is rattan?
Rattan or Ata is a climbing plant related to palm tree leaves found in Southeast Asia.
How do you make Bali rattan bags?
The process begins with specially harvesting the rattan, then properly conditioning it to prepare it for weaving.
Skilled artisans hand weave the rattan into the Bali bag shape.
The bag is then dried, giving it a long-lasting distinctive colour and lustre.
You now have a handwoven, stylish bag that will last for years to come.
How is it sustainable and environmentally friendly: The Process & Material
Rattan is a light, durable, and flexible material! But sustainability is in the process.
The economic value of rattan can help protect forestland where it grows by providing an alternative to logging. This means that rather than razing a forest, the forest can be protected by harvesting rattan instead.
Rattan is easier than logs to harvest and transport because it does not require heavy machinery.
As a crop that depends on trees, rattan is the perfect plant to be used as a tool for forest maintenance.
What’s the difference between wicker and rattan?
Rattan is a material used to make the Bali Bags and other things like furniture– whereas wicker is the weaving technique that involves weaving these natural materials into intricate patterns.
How do you clean a rattan bag?
This one’s easy! Wipe with a damp cloth and hang to dry. You’re good to go!
Up-cycling Our Rattan Bags
Up-cycling is the process of reusing discarded materials to create a product of higher quality (or value) than the original.
With our rattan bags, a unique polyester fabric lining is added to the inside of each bag, and recycled plastic is used to add colour to the exterior’s beige hue.
For example, our black and white bags are made up of 50% rattan, and 50% recycled plastic.
By adding originality to each piece, up-cycling guarantees your own Bali rattan bag will be one-of-a-kind!
How to Style a Bali Rattan Bag
Our Bali rattan bags are versatile, making them a great accessory for almost any outfit! Try wearing it with any one of these classic combos:
A classic summer dress, wide brim hat, and sandals.
A hoodie dress and sneakers.
A long dress, summer flats, delicate jewellery.
Pairs well with shorts and a t-shirt for casual occasions, or your best dress for a night out.
